I told my girls that supplies are expensive and that she needs to try to make them last about 4 hours. If her flow is heavier than that, we need to talk, so that we can adjust the type of pads I buy. I think all girls do this at first.

Ok, i have another one for you, my sd has just got her first period. Shes always had a toiletry bag in the bathroom thats for her "time of the month" and i filled it with 2 packs of sanitary pads, i also have a toiletry bag in the bathroom with my own stash, and i had about 1 and a half packs in there (bear in mind each pack has about 16 in!) This is her first period, and shes on day 6, and has no pads left...and has also used all mine! Shes constantly in the loo for ages at a time, and seems to change them 20 times a day?!! What can i do about this without embarrassing her? She needs to learn that you dont need to change it every 10 minutes, but how can i explain this to her without grossing her out or embarrassing her? arghhh, please someone help me, i really dont know what to do. (shes almost 14 by the way.)

We are going through the same thing at our place. it's not easy. After several months of fighting and even having her Dad step in & talk to her. I thought having her dad talking to her would help but it didn't make a difference.

We seem to have a break through recently. I finally just sat down & said "I don't understand WHY you continue to leave things lying around or not washing clothing & leaving it in the washing for us to find". In our talk I explained how hard it was for me when I was her age and how embrassed I was. We decide to have her own bin in the bathroom that she uses and she is responsible for. Since this talk is seems she realises she isn't the only one who was embrassed at that age & we all go through it.

Being a teenager is hard enough and having a "STEPMOM" who they don't think understand is another stresser. We need to remember how hard it is for girls @that age plus be there as support. I really hope you get the chance to have a break through we finally had after a couple of stressful months. Time will tell if it has worked but hopefully it won't be as bad as it was.

This is what happened here at my house last week. She went home on the church bus at 2 in the afternoon while my other SD stayed here til 6. Well I asked my other SD to straighten up their room bfore she left and she brought down a nasty pad. I asked her where she found it at and she said that she found it under a pile of clothes beside the others bed. Now I think it is just pure laziness to not get up and put it in a trash can. So now she is going to be commin here on Friday and I am still mad about finding this out. When my SD's are not here I have to use their bedroom as my spare bedroom for when copmpany comes. I woud have been mortified if company had found that instead of my SD.

My girls aren't nearly old enough to menstruate yet, but, here is what I do...I have a decorative box that I set on top of the toilet during my time... it contains every thing I need in it. Also, we have a septic tank here, so I can't flush anything! So, I wrap in toilet paper to keep it hidden. The privacy factor is going to be your biggest discussion. If you buy her a cute box/bag (if you shop walmart, they are near the feminine supplies and make-up too) for when she is there and having her time. The covered trash can is a good idea too! (If she isn't wrapping it in tissues like I have to).

You aren't alone. 11 year old SD was doing that here a few months ago. I told her that I was only going to tell her once and explained to her that having her period is a private matter and leaving things lying around from her period could make someone sick and talked about bodily fluids. I simply explained to her that no one else would be picking up after her and asked how she would like it if she had to clean that up after me or her older sister. I had to get on her case 2-3 times after that but it's gotten much better.

Make sure there is a trash can with a lid on it in the bathroom. Also, a box under the sink or a drawer for all the girlie products so they are out of sight. If you have a dog be sure the bathroom door stays shut at all times too. Remind her each time you see her 'things' out that the men of the house are repulsed by it, or just let your husband tell her that might be the most effective.